The launch of a regional electronic cargo and driver tracking system which had been slated to take place mid last month and later postponed was launched virtually on Tuesday, September 8.

It is one of the measures introduced by the East African Community to prevent further spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) infections in the region.

The virtual rollout of the East Africa Community Regional Electronic Cargo and Driver Tracking System (RECDTS) was broadcast live from the Malaba-Malaba border crossing point between Uganda and Kenya and the Mirama Hills-Kagitumba border crossing point between Uganda and Rwanda.

During the event, officials linked and transmitted a real-time demonstration of driver registration and verification of EAC digital certificate at the borders.

The system will issue jointly recognised EAC Covid-19 digital certificates, which will improve efficiency in regional freight transport, by avoiding multi testing for drivers at all points of entry.

Despite the borders being closed to human traffic in most regional countries, cargo transport has remained in operation, but drivers are subjected to multiple tests at borders which leads to delays.

The EAC developed the App with funding from the European Union, Global Affairs Canada, Danida, Finland, Netherlands and the United Kingdom through TradeMark East Africa and in accordance with the mandate given by a joint ministerial meeting of EAC ministers responsible for Health and EAC Affairs.

The App provides a surveillance system to monitor the health of long-distance truck crew members and enable contact tracing.

It allows partner states to electronically share truck drivers’ Covid-19 test results; therefore, minimising the need for multiple Covid-19 tests in a single trip.

According to a joint EAC-TMEA statement, the reliance on manual certificates and delayed test results at the borders has been reported as one of the main reasons for costly long delays at border points.

"It is expected that RECDTS will contribute to protecting lives, support health-related protocols and facilitate safe trade," reads the statement.

As noted, the electronic surveillance system will be in use in all partner states and will eventually be extended to EAC neighboring countries, particularly the DR Congo.